What Is Cannabis?

Cannabis is a plant with three different sub-species: cannabis sativa, cannabis indica and cannabis ruderalis. Most people are familiar and interested in cannabis sativa due to its medicinal, recreational and industrial value.

Currently, scientists are aware of 85 cannabinoids that provide therapeutic relief. That list continues to grow. The two most abundant cannabinoids and ones we know the most about are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).

Flowers from the cannabis sativa plant contain cannabinoids, or chemical compounds unique to cannabis. Our body has its own endocannabinoid system, which produces endogenous cannabinoids. When cannabis is consumed, those cannabinoids and terpenes bind to receptors within our body’s endocannabinoid system, impacting areas of the brain that control pleasure, memory, coordination and both sensory and time perception.

Currently, scientists are aware of 85 cannabinoids that provide therapeutic relief. That list continues to grow. The two most abundant cannabinoids and ones we know the most about are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). THC is the psychoactive substance in cannabis that is commonly associated with the “high” consumers feel.

Similar to THC, cannabidiol also binds to receptors in the brain, but rather than produce psychoactive effects it does the opposite. Research shows that CBD has anti-inflammatory properties among other medicinal benefits. Medical marijuana patients report that CBD has helped them alleviate symptoms associated with epilepsy and even Crohn’s disease.

Aside from the psychoactive effects and medicinal properties in cannabis the plant also provides us with industrial hemp. However, hemp lacks THC so it won’t get you high, but everything from clothing, paper, fuel and ink can be made from the hemp plant.

As a lifestyle publication, DOPE Magazine is dedicated to creating purposeful, relevant conversations. When we printed our inaugural issue in 2011 we positioned ourselves in the cannabis arena as a team of professionals determined to normalize the plant. While cannabis remains the central theme of our brand, 2017 has marked a turning point in our progression. We’ve built a steadfast framework of inclusivity when speaking about gender, race, class, politics, family and culture—with the ethos DEFEND.